
Colleen at Gullfoss Waterfall, Iceland
Last year I had the chance to check off a major bucket list item a trip to Iceland! I had always wanted to see the Northern Lights and my trip coincided with the tail end of the peak season to see them. You can see the lights at their brightest between September and March. So I booked a last minute flight on a budget airline and globetrotted my way to the beautiful city of Reykjavik!
For any Global Gals who are considering a trip to Iceland—which I highly recommend—I suggest renting a car. It’s much cheaper to rent a car and see all the sights at your own leisure, compared to booking a tour bus with a strict schedule. Luckily, I made friends with two girls from Norway and we rented a car together. I was able to see all the major sites for a fraction of the cost had I booked through the tour companies.

Enjoying a dip in the Blue Lagoon
One of my favorite parts of the trip was experiencing the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa in Grindavik. The waters are a cloudy blue due to the minerals and are kept warm— 37-40°C (98-104°F)—by the lava flow underneath the Earth.
After exiting the changing room at the Blue Lagoon, you have to brave the cold Icelandic air before dipping into the beautiful waters, but it’s worth it! I could have stayed in the warm waters for hours, especially since I had pulled a muscle in my back from carrying my backpack! The steam from the water fills the air and when the wind hits it just right, you can hardly see past the end of your nose. It was a truly luxurious experience!

The view from Colleen’s hostel in Rekyjavik
On my last night in Reykjavik, I went with my new friends on a Northern Lights hunt. We had to drive away from the city to avoid light pollution. I was really worried it would be too cloudy to see the lights, but our hunt was a success! We enjoyed a picnic in the car while watching the green Northern Lights dance across the sky. At first, it felt like my eyes were playing tricks on me!
Iceland has many natural wonders that will take your breath away, so I’d definitely recommend it to just about anyone! If you go, don’t forget to see the Golden Circle just outside of Reykjavik on your trip to Iceland. This “circle” contains waterfalls, geysers, national parks, and a geo-thermally active valley. It is a nature lover’s paradise!
Want to see some amazing 4K footage of sights around Iceland?
Check out these awesome videos, the first by IslandiaMe and the second by Evosia Studios, below!